Why Platform Matters When Choosing an ERP SystemIn order to survive, grow, and compete in the digital age, organizations need an ERP that is highly flexible and able to adapt. So, what are the tough platform questions you should ask yourself when shopping for an ERP? Download the report to find out!

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Trends and Technology

Emerging markets show rising demand for luxury travelDemand for luxury travel is going up in emerging markets such as Brazil, Russia and China, Small Luxury Hotels of the World reports. "We hope and expect this growth to continue through 2013 and beyond," said SLH CEO Paul Kerr. "In addition, tech gurus hyped 2012 as the year of the mobile boom, and our latest figures certainly highlight this growing trend." TravelPulse
(3/25)

Maine's casual pace lifts the stress awayTravelers looking to wind down may head for Rockland and Camden, Maine, where the coastal views encourage relaxation and a more casual pace of activities. Visitors can hike the lush forests embracing the coastline or meander through the country roads on a scooter or a bicycle. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
(3/24)

Regulatory and Legislative

Mica: TSA should not conduct airport screeningsRep. John Mica, R-Fla., said he plans to introduce legislation that would require airport screenings to be performed by private firms. Mica said the Transportation Security Administration should be in an oversight role, rather than conducting airport screenings. "TSA should be a security and intelligence agency," he said. Bloomberg
(3/26)

Best Practices

Column: Positioning strengthens a travel brand's marketing powerTravel agents need to produce a well-designed value proposition that underlines their agency's brand image and positions their company accurately in the market, Richard Earls writes. Most importantly, the value proposition must go beyond the factor of price. "Put simply -- why would someone purchase your services, especially when Travelocity has the same travel products for less?" Earls writes. Travel Research Online
(3/25)

News release: Minnesota governor drops sales tax expansion proposalASTA is praising its Minnesota members for their grassroots efforts in the wake of Gov. Mark Dayton's recent decision to abandon his proposed expansion of the state sales tax to cover service industries, including travel. ASTA members testified at legislative hearings and applied pressure to legislators through phone calls, face-to-face conversations and e-mails, including more than 900 advocacy messages sent through ASTA's online grassroots site. Read the full release.

ASTA member efforts thwart Virginia sales, occupancy tax billsThanks to a multifaceted grassroots campaign by ASTA and its members in Virginia, travel professionals were able to influence several bills pending in the General Assembly that would impact the travel industry. The strong response included nearly 200 advocacy messages to legislators before the Assembly's Feb. 23 adjournment. Read the full release.